Types of Tropical Ferns

Fern Basics

• Ferns are ancient plants that have been found to exist 350 years ago. Approximately 12,000 species of ferns are growing around the world. They reproduce by virtue of spores that are held on the end of the fronds in sporangia or under the leaves. Tropical ferns primarily are found in rain forests and are classified as Old World ferns. New World ferns comprise the cooler western hemisphere plants. Ferns are important to the ecosystem, but their habitat is shrinking because of pollution, deforestation, expansion and human interventions.

Tropical Fern Habitat

• Different habitats exist for different ferns. We tend to think of them as growing in a cool, shady forest, but some thrive in full sun. Ferns do thrive in high humidity. They can grow in the cracks between rocks, almost any type of soil as long as it drains well and even on each other. This particular habit is called epiphytic. Epiphytes also can grow out of tree crotches or other areas where there is no soil but only organic matter to survive on.

Indoor Ferns

• Boston fern is a classic houseplant. Most gardeners know someone who has the fern in a humid, well-lit area. Asparagus fern is another commonly seen plant that grows long, feathery fronds. Staghorn ferns take some particular care in cultivation but are epiphytic and can be grown on a piece of wood. Maidenhair fern is a frothy almost lacy plant that grows well in medium light indoors. Asplendium nidus, or bird's nest fern, is a cute little plant ideal for the coffee table. There are many more tropical ferns suitable for indoor growing.

Native and Naturalized Ferns

• Most of the "native " ferns actually are naturalized but thrive in Florida and similar climates. The Hawaiian tree fern (Sadlera cyatheoides), pohole ferns and many more can be found on the islands. There are more than 50 endemic species of tropical ferns, most of which are exotic and found only in the Hawaiian Islands. Others are in common families such as the Dryopteridaceae, Athyriaceae and Pteridaceae, which can be found in one form or another on the main land. Florida is home to many other native species such as Adiantum, Tectaria, Ctenitis and Nephrolepsis or Boston ferns.